We get this question on nearly every quote: should you go with wood or vinyl? Here's how we actually think about it.
Up-front cost. Wood (cedar) usually costs 10–20% less than premium vinyl for a 6 ft privacy fence. Pressure-treated pine can be cheaper still, but it doesn't age as gracefully.
Maintenance. Wood wants to be stained every 3–5 years to look its best. Vinyl wants to be sprayed off with a hose maybe once a year. If you don't enjoy yard projects, this is a real consideration.
Lifespan in Kansas City weather. A well-built cedar privacy fence lasts 15–25 years here. Quality vinyl lasts 30+. Cheap vinyl fails in cold-weather impacts within 5–10 years, which is why we don't sell it.
Resale. Both increase resale appeal versus no fence or a tired old fence. For most price points, buyers don't strongly prefer one over the other — they prefer "in great condition."
Our take: If you want the classic look and don't mind staining, build cedar with steel posts. If you want to never think about it again, build heavy-wall vinyl. Either way, the posts and bracing matter more than the material on top.
Have questions about your project? Request a free quote or call us anytime.